Tummy Tuck
in Scottsdale

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the stomach area. During the operation, excess skin and fat are removed from the middle and lower belly, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened, and in most cases the belly button is repositioned for a more natural final look.

A standard tummy tuck takes two to five hours. The result is a flatter, firmer, more youthful abdomen — and for many patients, the correction of diastasis recti, the widening of the abdominal muscles commonly caused by pregnancy or significant weight fluctuation. Dr. Mata repairs diastasis using internal sutures that rejoin the muscles into their original midline position.

Full Tummy Tuck — The traditional procedure, addressing both upper and lower abdomen with a horizontal incision low on the bikini line. Best for patients with significant excess skin and muscle laxity from above the navel to the pubis.

Mini Tummy Tuck — Addresses only the lower abdomen below the navel through a shorter incision. Appropriate for patients with minor skin excess and no upper-abdominal separation.

Extended Tummy Tuck — Extends the incision around the flanks to also remove skin from the lower back and hips. Best for post-weight-loss patients with circumferential skin excess.

Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck — Adds a vertical incision to remove horizontal excess skin. Reserved for patients after massive weight loss.

Most patients benefit from combining abdominoplasty with 360-degree liposuction of the flanks and lower back — what we call a Lipo-Abdominoplasty. The liposuction refines contour in areas the tummy tuck itself doesn't address, delivering a fully sculpted torso rather than just a flatter abdomen.

For patients pursuing comprehensive post-pregnancy restoration, the tummy tuck is typically performed as part of a Mommy Makeover combining abdominoplasty, breast enhancement, and liposuction in a single surgical session and single recovery period.

Anesthesia — Performed under general anesthesia in our in-house Scottsdale surgical suite, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Incisions — A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, positioned to be concealed beneath a standard bikini or underwear line. The length depends on the amount of skin to be removed.

Muscle Repair — Dr. Mata separates the abdominal skin from the underlying muscle and repairs any diastasis with permanent internal sutures, restoring core tightness.

Skin Removal — Excess skin and fat below the navel are excised. The remaining upper abdominal skin is redraped downward.

Closure — Progressive tension sutures eliminate dead space (our no-drain technique), the navel is repositioned through a new opening, and the incision is closed in multiple tension-free layers for the finest possible scar.